Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sparked national controversy following a strongly-worded warning directed at the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, cautioning him against entering Edo without prior approval from the state government.
Addressing political supporters in a viral video circulated on social media, Governor Okpebholo said Obi must seek his permission before visiting Edo State, warning that the former Anambra governor’s security would not be guaranteed otherwise.
“This message is for the man who claims he has no ‘shishi’,” Okpebholo stated, using a colloquial expression meaning ‘no money’.
“There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
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The governor referred to a past visit by Obi, during which the Labour Party figure reportedly donated ₦15 million to a nursing institution. Okpebholo questioned the source of the donation and linked the visit to subsequent unrest in Benin City.
“He came the other day and gave out ₦15 million. A man who claims to have no money, where did he get that from?” Okpebholo asked.
“After he left, there was unrest in Benin, and three people lost their lives. That’s why I’m saying this: tell Obi not to step into Edo without informing me first.”
Governor Okpebholo’s statement marks the second instance of an APC-led state warning Peter Obi regarding his visits, including one earlier in April when Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, reportedly issued a similar caution in relation to an IDP camp visit.
The warning has drawn sharp criticism from the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, which described the governor’s remarks as a veiled death threat and a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s democratic principles.
In a statement signed by CUPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, the coalition said, “Okpebholo’s recorded remarks, warning Obi not to ‘dare’ enter Edo State without his permission and stating that his security ‘is not guaranteed,’ constitute a veiled death threat against a law-abiding citizen exercising his constitutional rights.”
The coalition accused Governor Okpebholo of violating the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees all citizens the right to freedom of movement, and called on civil society organisations and political leaders to condemn the statement.
“His only offense is traveling across the country to support hospitals, schools, nurses, and IDPs at their points of need. Should a governor fear acts of charity?” the CUPP statement added.
Describing the threat as “a disgraceful act that strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy,” CUPP said the incident represents a direct attack on the freedom of movement, expression, and association.
CUPP concluded its statement by urging Nigerians to stand up for democratic values, saying, “The rule of law must prevail, and no individual, no matter their position, should be allowed to trample on the rights of citizens. Edo State and Nigeria deserve better than this shameful display of leadership.”
